Oak Park women (and men) ready to rally

Thursday, January 19th, 2017 5:03 PM

Updated: Saturday, January 21st, 2017 5:06 PM

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Women in Oak Park and throughout the nation are preparing for marches to protest the rhetoric of incoming president, Donald J. Trump. Hundreds plan to take to the streets in Washington, D.C., Chicago and elsewhere on Saturday, Jan. 21. | Photo provided by Christine Binotti

Women in Oak Park and throughout the nation are preparing for marches to protest the rhetoric of incoming president, Donald J. Trump. Hundreds plan to take to the streets in Washington, D.C., Chicago and elsewhere on Saturday, Jan. 21. | Photo provided by Christine Binotti

Women in Oak Park and throughout the nation are preparing for marches to protest the rhetoric of incoming president, Donald J. Trump. Hundreds plan to take to the streets in Washington, D.C., Chicago and elsewhere on Saturday, Jan. 21. | Photo provided by Christine Binotti

Day one of Donald J. Trump's America and women from Oak Park, River Forest, and across the country, are headed to the nation's capital with a mission: Make it clear that they have no intention of returning to the days when women were subservient and unequal to men.

More than 100 people turned out Friday evening in Oak Park to catch the three of five buses (two departed from Chicago) to Washington D.C. for the Women's March on Washington. Similar demonstrations are taking place on Saturday in Chicago and across the country. Two women waiting to get on the bus, Megan Sutor and Debra Baker, say they want to speak out for women's rights. Click here

It was déjà vu all over again on Nov. 9, when Oak Park resident and School of the Art Institute adjunct associate professor Claire Ashley awoke to the news that Donald J. Trump had won the presidential election against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Ashley, a Scottish citizen who has lived in the United States for more than 20 years, living and working under the protection of a green card, said she had the same experience of dismay in June, when the United Kingdom voted to withdraw from the European Union.

"Waking up Nov. 9 to this brave new world of xenophobia and racism and anti-feminism and this kind of rhetoric being the new normal was horrifying and sent me into a frenzy of feeling the need to do something," she said, noting that she is particularly concerned about the kind of future a Trump administration holds for her two young daughters.

Ashley said that "the conversation over immigration and xenophobia bubbling up here and in my own country" made her realize she could no longer be silent on the issue.

In the days following the historic election, she learned of the Women's March on Washington and began exploring how to get there.

"I posted on Facebook that I was interested in going to the march in D.C. but couldn't afford to fly my girls and stay in a hotel room," she said.

That got her thinking about getting a group of people together to share the cost of renting a bus to get to the protest. She began talking about her plan on social media and got "a flood of people" sending her requests.

About a month later, the single bus she had planned had ballooned to five buses transporting roughly 275 people from Chicago, Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest Riverside, Northbrook and elsewhere.

Ashley said that she is not a political activist and has never even attended a demonstration of any sort. The women's march will be the first for her and her daughters, Ashley said.

"I felt it was important to make a stand and to be a voice and try and be heard and make sure of the visibility of this march and of the marches around the country and the globe," she said.

Her efforts did not go unnoticed by others who have more experience taking direct action on social issues.

Julie Justicz, an Oak Park resident and attorney who works with the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, which focuses on racial equity and social justice issues, said she has marched for gay and lesbian rights and women's rights issues in the past and has even made the trek to D.C.

She began organizing a group to charter a bus to D.C. and learned about Ashley's efforts. The two joined forces on the pilgrimage to the U.S. capital.

Justicz said this march was of particular importance to her because, like Ashley, the effect the election had a direct effect on her 12-year-old daughter.

"It's important to show her that there are powerful women who are prepared to stand up to [Trump] and to fight his image of women," she said.

Justicz said that the group, which at one point dubbed itself the Chicagoland Nasty Women's March on Washington (a reference to Trump calling opponent Hillary Clinton a "nasty woman" during an election-season debate), are mainly going to be women, but each of the five buses has about four or five men attending. The demographics of women riding the bus "run the gamut," she said, from middle-school aged girls to middle-age and older women.

"It's really empowering to see people from all backgrounds attending," Justicz said.

She said the march, which is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of protestors, will create "a huge visual image that people won't be able to brush off."

People with Disabilities are neglected, abused, and dismissed as worthy of love and support from the supposed enlightened members of society,.So much for all the peace and love rhetoric. ..." it's really not possible for all people to protest all injustices at the same time. We all pick our battles. It really is a canard to criticize one activist group because they are not addressing the issues that happen to be important to you"

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 23rd, 2017 8:43 AM

@ Dwyer - You just proved my point!

Bill Dwyer Facebook Verified

Posted: January 23rd, 2017 8:07 AM

Ray, you and the other Trump trolls here wouldn't recognize logic if you tripped over it. Your routine dismissal of documented fact regarding Trump's long history of lies and unethical behavior, coupled with your mindless acceptance of any accusation against Hillary Clinton, no matter how thoroughly discredited, is not something I'll sit by and let you spew without an argument. . . I don't expect to ever change such a closed mind as yours or the other trolls here, and my responses here are not an attempt to do that. They're meant to refute what you say and mock the utter stupidity and dishonesty of your posts. Such as your latest contention that Trump's recorded crude comments about women occurred "30 years ago in a locker room." In fact, they occurred 11 years ago on a bus in front of a reporter. . .. If you want to cheerlead Trump's attempts to drag this country back to the 1950s, that's your right. And I'm going to keep right on exercising my right to mock the small minded vacuity of your thinking. Get used to it.

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 11:12 PM

@ Dwyer - I find it interesting that your strongest argument always seems to insult the other party. In a formal debate you score points by organization, logic and professional presentation. You seem to believe that you can win by pointing out you opponents mis matched socks, funny bow tie or the wart on his nose. If you want to play this game bring some substance to the table. Throwing stink bombs wins you nothing!

Rani Dawn Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 7:43 PM

Billy, who told you that she got so many more and HOW did she get them? By what means? Any means necessary? Even in the Primaries there were lots of people whose votes were not counted--literally and figuratively. How many polling places "ran out" of ballots? How many people went to vote and found their registrations had changed? In the general, people saw their votes flipping from their candidate to a certain other one. I mean, all we have to do is look at the rallies and who generated enthusiasm and who was MEH on steroids.

Bill Dwyer Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 7:37 PM

Drink some warm milk and go to bed, Ray. You're going to need your energy to type defensive posts the next four years.

Daniel Hurtado Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 7:28 PM

"The party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." --George Orwell, 1984

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 7:27 PM

@ Dwyer - If you cannot figure out the rules of the game you should not play and never never try to explain the rules to someone who understands why they are there.

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 6:14 PM

I've contacted Michael Moore, who spoke on behalf of the feminist movement and to show his support for the pink hat marches. I've asked the talented Mr. Moore when we can expect to see his documentary on the plight of women in the Islamic world. I'm sure he will have the courage to make such a film and show it film festivals in Tehran, Riyadh, Baghdad, Islamabad, and Kabul. He will have my complete respect when produces this masterpiece. Until then, he's just a big attention seeking blow-hard.

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 6:12 PM

wrong

Bill Dwyer Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 5:21 PM

Hillary got 3.5 million more votes than Trump, Ms. Dawn. And around a 78,000 votes switch in three states and Clinton is president. So I'm wondering what, exactly, is your definition of "a true run for the money"?

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 5:03 PM

" The truth is that people love a villain that they can project all their psychic gunk onto."....What are you really mad about? For these Pinkos, it's everything and everyone that does not cater strictly to their whims and desires.and distorted beliefs.

Rani Dawn Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 4:43 PM

So now what? Now you had your collective hissy fit. Too bad the same people didn't support Bernie to the end. He would have beaten Trump. At the very least he would have given him a true run for the money. I think this anger is misguided. And I loved seeing all the hate on signs claiming to be all about love. The truth is that people love a villian that they can project all their psychic gunk onto. Mature folks understand that you have to dig below the surface of existence. Slogans are empty because talk is cheap.

Rani Dawn Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 4:38 PM

Funny how people are "offended" at talk by someone (even in his 70s) who likes to brag and yet actual actions that hurt women are brushed off because the man who did them has a big ole D after his name. The lie from FAKE NEWS MAINSTREAM BEE ESS PROPAGANDA FACTORIES continues to be spread. Trump can be seen on tape making the same gestures imitating Ted Cruz and others. So again, those who are trying to besmirch the man are either knowingly slandering him or parroting what the fake news says all day, every day.

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 4:35 PM

Ray-praying that the sheople will wake up and demand the real truth so thy can be on the right side of justice..."False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil".. PLATO, Phaedo

Daniel Hurtado Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 4:31 PM

Barbara, it's really not possible for all people to protest all injustices at the same time. We all pick our battles. It really is a canard to criticize one activist group because they are not addressing the issues that happen to be important to you. That said, I am curious, what is your reaction to Mr. Trump openly mocking a journalist who has a disability?

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 4:24 PM

DNA Chicago posted their favorite signs from the Chicago pink hat parade yesterday on their website. Noticeably absent were those signs protesting the treatment of women in Muslim countries, where 65% of all women are illiterate and they have NO access to birth control, much less, taxpayer funded birth control. You know, the same counties that allow genital mutilation, forced marriages of young girls, where parents kill their daughters if they decide to leave the Islamic faith,where a woman can not be seen in public without a male family member present? The same counties where women are subjected to a truly oppressive "male patriarchy" and are treated as less than a full person in courts of law and where they cannot bring up rape charges against a man unless their testimony is corroborated by at least four men? Where their inheritance rights are less than their brothers? This is TRUE oppression of women and very REAL misogyny. There were 600 feminist protests yesterday worldwide. How many were in Islamic countries? ZERO - Why is that? Pink for ME, but not for THEE, Oh Daughters of Allah!

Daniel Hurtado Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 4:17 PM

Ray, regarding Mr. Trump's lewd statements, they were recorded in 2005 in the presence of Billy Bush on an Access to Hollywood bus en route to filming a segment of Days of our Lives. They were not recorded 30 years ago in a locker room. Mr. Trump tried to brush it off by saying it was just "locker room talk." He was 59 years old then, and had a wife and children. If you are still OK with it, given those facts, that's your prerogative. It's my prerogative to find it offensive

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 3:48 PM

All of this because I asked what was to be accomplished. Did I hit a nerve or something?

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 2:43 PM

John Rood Lewis: Did you read Clinton Cash, Guilty as Sin, Crisis of Character, or Unlikable: The Problem with Hillary Clinton? Maybe if you did, you'd understand why a lot of people didn't vote for her.

David Hammond Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 2:42 PM

@Ray Simpson "@ John Lewis will admit to being "OLD" beyond that your understanding of who I am and what I believe is just progressive liberal claptrap." Problem is, on both sides of the current political debate, it seems people make unfair/inaccurate assumptions about the person they're arguing with rather than focusing on the substance of the argument. Add to that the fact that we cannot even agree on the facts or "alternative facts" that should underlie discussions, and you have situations where arguments go on and on without any hope of resolution or mutual understanding. So much hatred. Hopeless.

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 1:23 PM

It would be refreshing to get feedback on my post concerning disabled, people, the most vulnerable persons in our society who rely on the kindness of strangers.

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 12:46 PM

Barbara, you need to read "The Making of Donald Trump' a book written by the pulitzer prize winning journalist David Cay Johnston, who followed Trump for thirty years, did many, many interviews with him and his associates and probably knows more about Trump's life than any other person on the planet. Donald, on many occasions hired actors to cheer and clap for him at his press meetings. He been doing that for decades. He usually pays them $50 each to show up for a few minutes of fake adoration. He's a bs artist and always has been. It's meticulously documented, with dates, times, places and names. Read it and learn.

Daniel Hurtado Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 12:36 PM

That is your right, I should say.

Daniel Hurtado Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 12:35 PM

No Richard. In my mind reality is reality. Trump said what he said. Even if he was "merely" lying, I find it despicable. Perhaps you are perfectly OK with it. That is your. But it is the right of the marchers, to find it unacceptable and to say so.

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 12:30 PM

Ray, "Why were those women who support right to life excluded." I imagine there were many thousands of right-lifers-there. They weren't excluded but they weren't given a platform either. The march wasn't about that. It was about women being humiliated and demeaned by our (their own) President, a crass, mysoginistic, self-proclaimed sexual predator, that used race, fear of immigrants, intimidation of women and fear to steal an election.... not to mention Putin's involvement, the FBI's illegal interference, a clear violation of the Hatch Act, the relentless tsunami of lies and crap from Trump himself, and the blizzard of blatantly fake news sites (that sucked up over six million hits in some instances from the Trump nitwits). They were played by a con man and a bs artist. Now he wants to silence and delegitimize the national press core because his fragile ego and his deep insecurities can't stand any criticism from anyone about anything at any time. What a sad and small man he is. And he proves it every day.

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 12:25 PM

If this many people stepped up for disabled people, the lives of the most vulnerable would greatly improve.The WJ chose to not even report the horrific kidnap and torture of a disabled teen boy who's captors had planned to murder, though it happened in Oak Park's backyard...."All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others"

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 12:17 PM

Ray, Trump was not in a locker room when he bragged about sexually assaulting women. He was with a tv crew. They were obviously filming him, with camera men and microphones.Get your facts straight.

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 12:15 PM

Barbara, I know some of the people that organized the Chicago rally. They had no money to speak of at all. It was done on a shoestring budget, mostly word of mouth, everyone paid their own expenses as far as I could tell. From which fake news site did you get your information?

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 12:12 PM

Brian, there are so many typos in your post it's hard to make sense of it. But you seem to imply that there was a lot of violence at the marches. Considering the numbers, well over a million and perhaps the largest protest in the history of the United States ( it got barely a mention on Fox News ) there was almost no violence or damage to property. In Chicago there were 250,000 marchers and no violence at all that I heard of. There was more violence at a typical Trump rally than we saw yesterday. What are you talking about?

Bill Dwyer Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 12:08 PM

"Nothing spontaneous or honest about" the marches? Gawd, Barbara, you really are clueless. It was said repeatedly yesterday that the marches were being planned since early November. Setting aside the question of why that would even matter(i.e., what does spontaneity have to do with anything), you'd best get used all this lady. It isn't going away; Trump woke up a sleeping giant.

Brian Slowiak Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 11:52 AM

The question is will the people of the Left who rode to Washington D.C, and their expense go chips and raise funds for other people who sustained damage and injury from other people of the Left? You know, he aint heavy, hes my brother, it takes a village, we are all one its for the children mentality. Will we move and take care of the damages or just move on?

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 11:15 AM

.George Soros and the Open Society Foundations supported groups funded and organized the global Women's March, nothing spontaneous or honest about it.

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 11:03 AM

@ Daniel - You fail to mention that the offensive statement was recorded in a locker room thirty years ago. Who hasn't said something dumb in their lives? Why weren't these marches held thee months ago? Could it be that there was no way Trump could get to the 270 electoral votes so why bother and Hillary spent a billion dollars getting the word out. As I said before a lousy campaign.

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 10:06 AM

Organizer For DC Women's March, Linda Sarsour Is Pro Sharia Law with Ties To Hamas.

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 9:59 AM

Daniel: So, in your mind.perception and reality are one in the same? Is that how it works? Hope you never get called for jury duty!!

Daniel Hurtado Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 9:56 AM

Richard. Your and Ray profess not to understand what the marchers are protesting. As has been quite clear from pervasive media reports and from my own discussions with the women in my life that at least one of the protesters' issues is their perception that Mr. Trump is a misogynist. One of the things that creates that impression is Mr. Trump's own statement that he engaged in conduct that constitutes criminal sexual assault. It is certainly possible that Mr. Trump was lying about that, i.e., that we was falsely bragging that he engaged in what amounts to sexual assault. Either way, it explains part of what the protesters are upset with. You may believe their perceptions are wrong, but you should at least understand that their is a basis for their perceptions.

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 9:22 AM

Richard, you obsess over Bill Clinton's affair with another consenting adult and fail to mention the behavior of Donald Trump, which most Americans consider to be much more disturbing. It's just not convincing. Not even close.

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 9:19 AM

Ray, you said, "just make enough noise ant your government will give in" It has never worked that way!" It has always worked that way. Read some history. That's exactly how it works.

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 8:53 AM

For all this feminine outrage over something you cannot define I bet it will be much to do about nothing. Why were those women who support right to life excluded. Perhaps you view them as less than worthy.

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 22nd, 2017 5:13 AM

Why so much energy now? Could it be that you all were cock sure Hillary could not lose? There is not stipulation in the constitution that says "If you don't agree with the legal outcome of an election - just make enough noise ant your government will give in" It has never worked that way!

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 11:10 PM

John: All I accused HRC of was being an enabler to her husband's sick predatory behavior. Maybe you're too young to remember Monica Lewinsky and Bill's cigar. I'll let the FBI and any other applicable law enforcement agencies handle the other stuff. Until then, toodles!

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 10:58 PM

Richard, so by your very words Hillary Clinton is innocent of all crimes that Trump and his lackeys have accused her of. Right? A simple yes or no will suffice.

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 10:26 PM

Daniel: Please provide valid citations of arrest and conviction records against Mr. Trump. It "appears" he has committed sexual assault? Do you understand the legal term "libel"? And no where in the Wednesday Journal article does it say that the pink hatted protesters were protesting an "appearance" of sexual assault by Trump. Did you read the article or just jump to the comments section to post your defamation of character? Our criminal laws revolve around the legal principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty. So, when you can show any of us that Trump has been found guilty of sexual assault, please choose your words a little more carefully. Anyone can make unproven accusations and allegations but that's not proof of guilt. I'm not Trump's spokesperson, but your comments are pretty lame.

John Butch Murtagh Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 9:37 PM

Did the Woman's March today. It was an incredible event. The age of marcher was from 1 year old to the 90's. My life is better for the walk. My friendships are now in thr 300.OOO's!"

Daniel Hurtado from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 9:20 PM

What they are protesting, among other things, is that Mr. Trump appears to have repeatedly committed sexual assault (which is a crime). Indeed he has bragged about it. And he has in other ways demonstrated that he is a misogynist. Perhaps you think Trump was lying when he bragged about committing sexual assault. Either way, it is difficult to believe that some of you don't understand the reason for the protest.

Bill Dwyer Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 9:11 PM

What's "pathetic and embarrassing" is how the new president of the United States continues to engage in petulant, juvenile spats with anyone who offends him. The elected leader of a nation of 330 million people just can't put his ego aside and be a genuine leader for this country.

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 6:47 PM

It's all so pathetic and embarrassing.

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 6:10 PM

David: Did you or anyone else don your pink hats and march in lockstep when the NY Times published a lengthy article on foreign contributions from anti-female regimes to the disgraced Clinton Foundation. Here's snippet from the article: "The Clinton Foundation has accepted tens of millions of dollars from countries that the State Department ?" before, during and after Mrs. Clinton's time as secretary ?" criticized for their records on sex discrimination and other human-rights issues. The countries include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Brunei and Algeria. Saudi Arabia has been a particularly generous benefactor. The kingdom gave between $10 million and $25 million to the Clinton Foundation. " From the same article:" Mrs. Clinton "tweets about women's rights in this country and takes money from governments that deny women the most basic human rights." You'll probably tell me it was "fake news"but its from one of the left's favorite news sources. But hey, it was also reported in the Wall Street Journal. Washington Post and numerous other mainstream media sources. I'll be happy to post links to all the articles if you'd like. When I see the self proclaimed "liberals and progressives" start to protest REAL oppression of women, I'll join the march. But I might skip the pink hat.

David Hammond Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 4:42 PM

Was a beautiful day for a march. Got there a little late, unfortunately, as I had to tidy up the kitchen after the wife's breakfast.

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 3:53 PM

Rooting for your President to fail is harmful and hateful. Calm down! Stop drinking the kool aid.

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 2:29 PM

Richard, Donald Trump's campaign was all about emotion, certainly not facts or logic. Emotion is more powerful. And the things he said and did (and has done in the past, all very thoroughly documented in countless books and interviews) made an emotional impact not just on his supporters but on those Americans that he humiliated and slandered. And there were countless examples of that. Need I recite them all, really? There are websites dedicated to the long litany or false statements and slurs he spewed during his campaign of demagoguery, delivered with his uber-crass and mocking style. Those made an emotional impact on others as well, on those that don't support him. It's another populist uprising that he created. In a way, he has united the Dems in much more significant way than Hillary could. This reaction to Trump will prevail for a very long time. Get used to it.

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 2:21 PM

Where are the pink hats and marches when women in the Islamic world are subject to genital mutilation, honor killings, beatings for being seen in public without a male family member or for exposing even the slightest bit of their arm or leg, etc., etc? Where are the pink hats and marches against the totally misogynistic and hateful Sharia laws that treat women as less than a full person? How may of of you have actually bothered to educate yourselves in these hateful practices cloaked in a "religion"? I'd suggest you do, and you'll see what real oppression against women looks like. Get real - Ignorance is not bliss despite what that tired cliche says.

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 2:11 PM

John: Where were the pink hats and marches when Bill Clinton, the Predator in Chief and his enabling wife occupied he White House? I've read this article over and over to try to understand exactly what is being protested. Aside from a citation of Trump's calling HRC a "nasty women" and some vague reference to "Donald Trump's vision of women", I can't really grasp all the outrage. Maybe you can mansplain it to all of us. Exactly what rights are Trump planning on taking away from women? Is he going to say we are going to lock them up in the kitchen and chain them to the ironing board? And keep them barefoot and pregnant? So much fabricated oppression; it borders on some type of delusional collective paranoia, like the Salem Witch Trials. I'll be the first to agree that Trump can be crude and crass, but he's not the great Bogeyman that the globalist media makes him out to be. The mainstream media objectifies women on a regular basis. Plenty of "prime time" TV shows are nothing less than soft porn. We are constantly bombarded by images of women as objects, but when Trump makes a crude comment, the left's heads explode! Lighten up and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 2:09 PM

Ignorance has people believing made up stuff, I only speak truth not doublespeak..." The very concept of objective truth is fading out of the world. Lies will pass into history". George Orwell

John Rood Lewis Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 1:27 PM

I call 'em as I see 'em, Ray. We'll have to agree to disagree on everything. My wife and 150,000 others marched in Chicago today because they feel threatened by the bigotry and crassness of Donald Trump. It's emotional and real. Just because you don't feel it doesn't mean it's not real for tens of millions of women. The march in Washington dwarfed the inaugural crowd and we're just getting started. Your agenda is reckless and misguided and a clear majority of Americans oppose it.

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 1:16 PM

@ John Lewis (Not the angry representative who refused to go to the inauguration - I hope)- I will admit to being "OLD" beyond that your understanding of who I am and what I believe is just progressive liberal claptrap. You cannot tell anyone why your people are marching against President Trump or what you expect to accomplish. None of the slander you present here is supported by fact and I guess you believe DNC talking points as gospel ( Sorry for the religious reference) Bitter? you probably missed that in the last 8 years we have claimed 1000 plus state legislature seats, majority in the house and senate and the White House - we won you lost and I am content with that. Threatened by women? I have a wife, daughter, daughter-in-law and 2 female grandchildren - you might be right that is an awesome force, but I hold my own. That also sort of covers the lonely part as well. Deeply insecure and naive? I have been a nationally ranked archer, member of a well respected pistol team, Holder of 12 US patents and Dad for 2 great kids. I also have a political philosophy that has not changed in 70+ years and I am willing to stand up for what I believe and am willing to debate those hand wringing doom and gloomers who always see the glass as half empty. I am still looking for a patriotic reason for the marching I will not hold my breath.

John Rood Lewis from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 1:16 PM

Barbara, are you just pretending to be dumb or are you really unable to grasp the symbolism of the pink hats with cat ears? I could be more explicit but I'm uncomfortable repeating the Trump quote that they reference. And what's with your obsession with communism? Stalin was a brutal dictator, not a Democrat. Lenin was a communist ideologue, not a Democrat. Your comparisons are bizarre and laughable. Trump, on the other hand, and his supporters seem to be very comfortable with America's first Fascist demagogue. You can't make this stuff up.

Bill Dwyer Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 1:06 PM

Well, Richard by "mansplain," do you mean offering a b.s. explanation that flies in the face of what you actually wrote? Truth just isn't important to you Trump supporters, is it? You want what you want , and everything gets twisted to that purpose. As your hero would tweet, "sad."

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 12:57 PM

I can just imagine some of the chants today: "What do we want? We don't know! When do we want it? NOW!!!!!

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 12:36 PM

Why is being a Pinko celebrated? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_killings_under_Communist_regimes

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 12:34 PM

Bill: My comment was in reference to Tom's comments trying to equate tea party types protesting President Obama's inauguration with the rioting that went on the last couple nights in D.C.. I didn't say any of the pinko hats were rioting today. Sorry I had to mansplain that to you.

Bill Dwyer Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 11:41 AM

There's no rioting going on today as hundreds of thousands of people are marching and protesting peacefully all over the country, Richard. The morons last night don't represent the values and principles of the vast majority of people opposed to Trump. If you disagree, then, should we assume the violent behavior and ugly comments Trump supporters frequently engaged in at his rallies reflect YOUR values and principles? .. .. Yeah. Didn't think so.

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 11:34 AM

Tom: I don't remember any "tea party" members rioting, breaking windows, burning cars or beating people bloody. Maybe my memory id getting fuzzy form seeing all the fake news. Maybe you can take off your pink hat for just a moment and "mansplain" that to me.

Tom Cargie from River Forest Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 10:27 AM

It's funny that Grumpy Old Man Ray did have a problem when his fellow teabaggers put on their tri corner hats and shouldered their long rifles to protest our president in 2009. Ray would be offensive if he wasn't such a joke.

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 10:09 AM

Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin used the term "polyezniy idiot" or "useful idiot" to describe sympathizers in the West who blindly supported Communist leaders.. "The goal of socialism is communism."..."The Constitution''s first three words?"We the People?"affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. President Trump said during his inauguration speech: " At the bedrock of our politics will be a total allegiance to the United States of America, and through our loyalty to our country, we will rediscover our loyalty to each other.".....Lt. Gen. Ion Mihai Pacepa, the highest-ranking official ever to have defected from the former Soviet bloc, says "The Democratic Party has become dangerously infected with the Marxism virus. I recognize the symptoms because I once lived through them, and I believe it is my obligation as an American citizen to help the conservative movement to prevent any further spread of Marxism in my adopted country."....I love my country and people and support our President who has pledged to make America greater than ever before. before.Amen! Enough with all this Anti American carnage.

John Rood Lewis from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 9:17 AM

Ray, I don't know you but I've read your numerous posts/rants. I would guess you are a bitter, angry, lonely and naive old man, deeply insecure, who feels threatened by women and minorities. You've bought into the Trump 'cult of personality' hook, line and sinker. Evidently you are unable to grasp the obvious... that Trump is a con man and a bullshit artist. He has been since his college days, with his $12,000/month allowance, his obsessive womanizing and his insatiable need for adoration and power. He is a sad little man with emotional problems, no attention span, with an unbelievably fragile ego and a compulsive need for attention and approval. 54% of the voters in America who just voted, voted for someone other than Trump. He lost the popular vote by about 3 million. You are in the minority. So even though your man won, with the help of Vladimir, some right-wing nutjobs in the FBI and a tsunami of fake news sites created by bored teenagers in Macedonia and elsewhere, the majority of Americans consider him a dangerously misguided threat to America. And we will not allow you or him to drag us into some fascist oligarchy.

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 8:04 AM

I am at a loss to understand what this group hopes to accomplish. Donald Trump is our president for 4 years and all of the protesting will not change that. Exactly what has he done to anger women, or is it just what you fear he will do? Without that reality you are just being malcontents and contribute nothing positive. You all seem to have fallen pray to Hillary's campaign of character assassination that distorted small issues into earth shattering disasters. It has become time to direct our effort in a direction that can make a difference. Refusing to accept the political swamp in Springfield and Chicago might be a good first step. Conjuring up problem issues that might happen in Washington just masks the real time criminality that is destroying our home state.

Kevin Peppard from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: January 21st, 2017 1:08 AM

Getting THERE is not the problem, even though it's tiring. Getting BACK is. I was a Bus Marshal of one of the several buses from U of I Urbana that went to the National Mall in DC for a Vietnam demonstration. I had finally got fed up with our troops being killed, and ordered to kill others, for the insanity of being in someone else's civil war. When it was time for people to come back, one couple was missing. I held the bus back for well over an hour, and then finally told the driver to go, knowing that that couple might be stranded 700 miles away. But I had to balance that against the interests of 60 or so people who had followed the rules, and needed to get back to Illinois, already exhausted. I later learned that the couple had decided to go back with someone who had a car, and hadn't told us. If you have stragglers, and in today's world of cell phones where they can tell you their changed plans and don't, leave them behind.

John Butch Murtagh Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 9:24 PM

I Will be in Chicago with my daughters, my son-in-law, two grand-children, and a feeling that my country is GREAT.!

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 9:11 PM

@ Mike - my point is that well intention ed protests often provide a cover for bad people to do very bad things. I am also not sure exactly what outcome these marchers hope to accomplish. We are aware of their visceral hatred for President Trump. Most of their opinion was formed as a result of the 1.2 billion dollar character assassination of the campaign. True Trump has said some things typical of construction site conversation, but that is where he cut his teeth. Might I suggest that we give him a chance to fulfill his promises and actually get things done. Steve Wynn, partner and competitor has said that when Donald Trump promises something, you can take it to the bank. I believe that the establishment politicians, R&D, have no idea what they are up against. Unlike Republican tradition he will not buckle under to Schumer and Durbin. We will hear endless sniping about how he refuses to give us everything and refuses to negotiate. A new dawn is breaking!

Barbara Joan Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 5:43 PM

Pink hat wearing "feminists' do not speak for most women.Such sexist rhetoric disrespects Dads-Husbands-Sons-Brothers-all men.Why would any man go along with this thinking? Women are always victims and men are always bad guys is their message...Help the disabled and homeless if you really care so much about societal ills.

Mike Hanline Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 4:27 PM

And I agree with you on that point as well, Bruce. But I doubt we're going to see any looting or Molotov cocktails being thrown at the Women's March on Washington, which is the assembly that Ray is referencing.

Bruce Kline Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 3:56 PM

Mike I agree. But the constitutional right to assembly does not include the right to set fires, destroy property and endanger the lives of others.

Mike Hanline Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 3:43 PM

Ray, why are you embarrassed that members of your community are exercising their constitutional right to assembly? I would say that's extremely American, not anti-American. Were you equally embarrassed by all the Tea Party rallies that were held after Obama was elected?

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 3:20 PM

I am embarrassed that members of my community are a part of an anti-American demonstration to disrespect a new president. Petulant children act this way - not adults. Sore losers all!

Nick A Binotti Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 3:01 PM

You may disagree with these women's strong opinions on this matter, but I think one thing we can all agree on is their impeccable taste in husbands.

Rob Ruffulo Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 2:56 PM

Under previous administration, Country was the most divided iy has ever been, Racism was at an all time high, and country was filled with violent protesting (which continued today) and Hate appreared accross the nation. Hillary was a failure, deal with it, and unite for a better america.

Mike Hanline Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 2:32 PM

Rani, what is your definition of 'fake news'?

Rani Dawn Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 12:23 PM

Gail, that is the best you can do? REALLY?!! Calling someone a troll is a lazy argument, especially when he made some cogent points. This is indicative of the low-information voters (who may also have advanced degrees) stubbornly refusing to face facts about their candidate due to identity politics. Trump didn't allow anyone to paint him as a racist and sexist and with the fake news shilling for "her" all day, all night, he STILL won. So keep at it. It was a losing strategy but some people seem to think it's going to somehow propel them to future success within the Democratic Party. No. If that contaminated party is ever resurrected, it will be by totally cleaning house of all the ethically challenged hacks who believe the end justifies the means.

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 11:35 AM

@ BP - sorry - word out of DC is that the looters are trying to get their FREE STUFF.

Bill Dwyer Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 11:33 AM

Am house sitting next four days in Granada, Nicaragua, while the owner, her sister and niece fly to Washington to join in Saturday's march. .. The events of the past three month- the last year for that matter- have galvanized millions of people like my friend here. One of the conversations I've had with numerous people is how folks didn't realize just how bad things could get. We're all about to find out, and hopefully everyone who cares about liberal democracy has taken off their rose colored glasses and and tossed them into the trash, along with any bongs they may have kept around.. . This is real folks. Get ready to fight back. And get ready total a punch. It's coming.

Barbara Purington Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 11:04 AM

Reality: Choice between Trump and Clinton for Presidential was lose-lose choice for voters. -Clinton undermined Sanders campaign. -Approx. half the voting population, voted for Trump. May all the post Inaugural gatherings be held without any violence and may everyone get home safely,

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 4:58 AM

@ Gail - Richard never said a word about President Trump! He stated facts that you cannot dispute, no matter how you sugar coat Hillary - she was a lousy candidate who ran a lousy campaign and lost according to the rules of the game. Donald Trump won 2,300 county's - Hillery less than 240. If Donald Trump does half of what he promises, your liberal progressive ideology will be dead and buried - forever! To be sure, I am a Trump backer (not a troll) and we won this election fair and square, so all of your tantrums will not alter that fact. You want to make an impact on politics why not start in Cook County - a spotlight there might bring some change. Your home of Chicago could use a bit of disinfecting, but, be careful heads get cracked there you know.

Gail Ranmo from Chicago Facebook Verified

Posted: January 20th, 2017 12:54 AM

Richard, such a Trump troll. Sad.

Richard Fischer from oak park Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 11:38 PM

People say the fact Hillary lost was because she was a female and they didn't want a female as president. Maybe some votes were cast for that reason just as many were cast only because she was a woman. Same thing happened when Obama was running. A certain segment of the population cast their votes based on sex or race instead of carefully deciding on the merits of the candidates. Hillary lost because she broke the law by using an unsecured server for her emails to send classified information. She broke the law by destroying over 30,000 emails. She broke the law by destroying hard drives and cell phones used for official business. Everybody talked about her government experience being a plus for her but I can't understand how with all that experience she could leave her communications open to be hacked. I would like to know what was in those emails and on the hard drives that she would take the chance to break the law to keep them from being seen. That's not even talking about her using her position in the State Department to enrich the Clinton Foundation or discussing why nothing has happened with Ahmed Abu Khatallah since his capture. She lost because she was no good and crooked and no amount of protesting and marching will change that. We need people to demand honesty from our politicians and government.

Janet Haisman from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 10:56 PM

There are always those who refuse to be swayed by facts, and I pity them. (That should make them mad!) There are many strong, fine men out there whose masculinity is not threatened by women, minorities, and immigrants. But they (and we) lost out this time due to the vagaries of the Electoral College. Personally, I am in love with David Hammond and his example!

Gail Ranmo from Chicago Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 10:56 PM

Who is really the "crook"? Traitor to be sure. There was nothing wrong with the most qualified candidate ever - except that men couldn't abide a female president (and, I'll admit, some errant women who bought the 30 years worth of trampeling her reputation- by old white men.) Oh, and then there were the Russians ...Hope you are happy with your crooked, white, male, cabinet bent on dismantling our democracy.

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 9:56 PM

Did anyone notice that the organizational genius behind the Trump victory was a mother of 4?

Richard Fischer from oak park Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 9:24 PM

We went through the primaries and the election and Trump was still elected. Now we have all the Hillary people protesting because their candidate wasn't elected. As much as you say it's just a march and not a protest you're kidding no body except yourselves. Your time would be better spent working to insure your respective parties put forward decent candidates that we could elect to govern us instead of of holding these protest marches that accomplish nothing since I'm pretty sure he will be inaugurated dispite the protests. You could be lobbying your representatives to get Madigan out of office to try to get Illinois a budget so social services and education aren't kept hostage. You live in a state that's a laughing stock of the country and you figure the best use of your time is to protest an election that's already been decided. Get over your hurt feelings. Hillary lost because she was a crook and we're lucky that enough people recognized it before she was elected - regardless of her sex.

Ray Simpson Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 8:52 PM

A lot of effort, to what end? Wouldn't that same energy down in Springfield have a better chance of helping? You march in fear of something that might happen, yet cast a blind eye to the feckless government that has driven our state to be a national laughing stock. I can just see a national news organization interviewing one of you. Asked where you are from and then snickering when you say Illinois. Sure you got all the answers by gum.

Teresa Powell Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 8:17 PM

Bravo for all the positive comments submitted about the marches as women and men of good will join with others AROUND THE WORLD to rally and march for a better future.

Gail Ranmo from Chicago Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 7:44 PM

Dear Richard: I would love to meet you show you a thing or two that women can do - without men - you sexist...I'll leave it at that.

David Weindling from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 7:13 PM

Thanks to Claire, Julie and all the organizers and participants going to Washington to support equality and justice. My wife and step-daughters will be there with yet another group, while my daughter and I will march in Chicago. Be heard. Be counted.

Mike Reust from Washington DC Metro Area Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 7:12 PM

Hey Richard, If you are married, I pity your wife. If you are not married, the women of the world are at least grateful for that.

David Hammond Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 7:12 PM

In the same way that some carnivores feel threatened and defensive when someone says they're vegetarian, some males feel threatened and defensive when someone says they're feminist. Both reactions are silly, of course, but it happens all the time.

Jg Morales from Oak Park Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 6:49 PM

Richard - You clearly are a sexist if you believe women incapable of doing "man's work". I tell you no lie, the best plumber I've ever had was a woman. I build and repair my own computers, thanks. Wood split at the hinge on the armoire? Fixed that too. Needed a bigger hole when changing a lock? I drilled it. Lost key to a pad lock? Went to Ace and got another blade for *my* saw. Assembled the grill, chairs, just about anything you can name. Set up the surround sound and connected it to dual boot desktop before smart Tv was even a thing. 1950s indeed! I don't hate men, but I have a problem with characters like you who believe all we women folk would melt if we didn't suffer sexist pigs like you. In fact, I'm probably handier than most men I know my age thanks to the internet and the men and women at hardware stores. Following directions is not rocket science, and does not require high levels of testosterone. *smh*

Deborah Wess Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 6:25 PM

Mr. Stephen, your comments are strikingly unrelated to this article. Your assumptions are bizarre in the extreme. Nowhere within does it address the college majors of the attendees nor of the two women profiled; neither is any specific or hypothetical woman's ability to repair any item on her own. Can't really see the point of your gross generalizations, name-calling or ad hominem attacks. The article in fact is only nominally about the March, but highlights, in WJ's tried and true journalistic tradition, the connection of local Villagers with national news. I guess all readers will just need to wait for evidence of your belief in equal rights. I for one won't be holding my breath. If you don't want to go the March in D.C., or a Sister March in Chicago or in any of the 200+ host cities anywhere else across the globe, then don't.

RoseMary Gange Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 6:21 PM

Wow! That was quite an anti women rant! This march is not against men but nice try deflecting from the problems this new administration poses for our nation. Sad

Roger French from OP Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 6:15 PM

It might have helped to not make contradictory statements,dude. Just sayin

Richard Stephen Facebook Verified

Posted: January 19th, 2017 5:54 PM

Well, comrades, enjoy your feminist marches, protests, rallies and other anti-male "happenings". Just remember that next time you need your car fixed, your house tuckpointed, your plumbing repaired, or need a new furnace or dishwasher installed or repaired, be sure to call one of those feminist repair shops so they send over a feminist technician or repairwomen. Oh, wait that will never happen. OK; just pull out he repair manual or go on-lime to see how to fix everything yourself. You see, you have no problem calling a man to fix stuff for you out of one side of your mouth while you call men sexists and misogynists out the other side of your mouth. I strongly believe in equal rights and equal pay for men and women, but get real, men and women are NOT the same. Equal, yes, but the same, not really, despite what your Crypto-Marxist college professor might have told you. And while you're at it, maybe instead of getting a degree in Gender Studies, try going to trade school to show how equal you are capable of being and then go start your own feminist repair shop.

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